The award-winning National Self Build and Renovation Centre is UK’s only permanent visitor centre dedicated to supporting self builders and renovators through their real-life projects. Since opening their doors in January 2007 they have welcomed almost 250,000 self builders, developers, renovators and home improvers. The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is home to over 200 permanent exhibitors, chosen for their respected and relevant offering, and their knowledge and understanding of the self build and renovation community. Acting like a shopping centre for self build and renovation enthusiasts, visitors are asked to fill in a questionnaire that summarises their project that they are working on. This then leads to visitors being issued a scanner which allows them to scan for information from the exhibitors.
The heavy footfall had started to impact the natural slate floor in the entrance area and as part of their own renovation project, the team at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre were looking to have it restored. Part of the challenge was to remove the existing wax on the floor. Over the many years, as part of the cleaning regime, a wax had been applied to protect the natural finish of the slate.
Periodic wax reapplication in a diluted quantity is part of our recommended cleaning regime.
However, if over applied or applied too often, this can lead to a build up that distracts from the natural beauty of the stone. For larger areas it is recommended
to have the stone professionally cleaned and protected every 18 months.
We attended the centre to undertake a sample area. With all slate projects it is beneficial to undertake a sample in order to ascertain the correct cleaning and stripping process.
In this case, much of the wax removal would need to be carried out by hand.
We undertook the work to restore the slate in the main reception area over 5 days.
Multiple applications of a solvent and alkaline based cleaning compounds were used to strip the topical sealants on the floor. The slate was then refinished using a 320 grit honing powder to restore the natural beauty of the tiles. A colour enhancing impregnating sealant was then applied to perfect the finish.
Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of The National Self Build & Renovation Centre commented
“Our mission is to help people create better, sustainable homes and we are proud of welcoming many thousands of people through our doors, each year, who are embarking on their own projects to create beautiful homes. It is important to us to provide an outstanding visitor experience and we have invested significant sums in upgrading our lighting, décor and facilities in recent years.
Our large reception area features a stunning slate floor, which over time – with such a heavy footfall – had become dull and tired. We were introduced to Athena Stonecare by one of our exhibiting partners and from the first consultation, they demonstrated a real commitment to find the best solution for us.
It is fair to say the project, which also included treating our main visitor toilet floors, was a challenging one – with years of wax layers to be removed.
However Dave and his colleagues tackled the large area with equal measure of determination and skill, and the result was the re-emergence of our beautiful floor – which looks brand new again!
It gives a real ‘wow factor’ to everyone visiting the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and we would certainly highly recommend Athena Stonecare for both their service and their genuine expertise. Thank you!”
If you are undertaking your own renovation project, we highly recommend a visit to The National Self Build & Renovation Centre
Easy process to quote and book. Our limestone floor had been down for 7 years and grout was "looking tired." We had a team of three working on site for a morning. Very polite and tidy and left the floor looking like new.
Our travertine floor came up like new. Very knowledgeable and efficient staff, a professional service for sure. They were very good with our dog too, always a bonus as she's quite fretful. Thanks Athena Stonecare.
This is a First Class company with First Class staff. they polished the marble in our bathroom and it now looks like new. Their technician Jack was so courteous and professional and his work is tip top. What an excellent find.
Athena Stonecare has been fantastic! We had two circular marks on our marble fireplace caused by a leaking vase and Athena Stonecare has been able to remove these marks and return the fireplace to it's former glory. We are delighted and do fortunate to have found this company
Great company and team. Easy to deal with and discuss requirements. The quality of work and attention to detail is exceptional. I strongly recommend this company.
The professional who inspected the floor was clearly most knowledgeable and he also actioned the work subsequently. A date was agreed and the work was carried out with care and attention and minimum disruption. The floor now looks exactly as it did when initially installed. I have no hesitation recommending Athena Stone and will call them myself when another part of the floor needs refreshing.
